June Month in Review
I say this each month in review post, but y’all WHERE has the time gone? I can tell you with great certainty that most of my time this month was split between work, reading all the romances, watching the Phillies march their way toward a (hopefully) playoff spot, and wanting to rage tweet (and throw hands with every ding-dong who is thrilled with my new lack of bodily autonomy) all my feelings about the SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe v. Wade. So I got that going for me, which is nice.
I also read a record number of eARCS this month, some I really loved, and others, oof I was really disappointed by. Right, well here we go recapping everything I read (and loved) in June.
Monthly Breakdown
Apple Books | 17
Kindle Unlimited | 11
Advance Copies | 6
Monthly Total 34 | Running Total 204
Best of the Month
Spider’s Mate Trilogy by Tiffany Roberts (Free with KU)
Let’s again thank the bald-book-overlord Jeffery Bezos for continually showing me these books on my Kindle. Listen the algorithm does not miss. I also will tell y’all I started these as a, laugh. Like oh I’ll read the spider alien romance, and it will be silly and we will all laugh about it. AND OMG this whole series was IT. Immaculate vibes. 10/10 no notes. Okay wait some notes. Ivy and Ketahn were SO freaking cute. These fated mates were so warm and gooey, and might be a real 2022 romance highlight.
The Devil You Know by Elizabeth O’Roark (Free with KU)
Elizabeth O’Roark is an auto-read author for me nowadays. Her Devil series have been such highlights of this year and I LOVED falling in love with Ben and Gemma. Their rivalry, and him just loving the ever loving shit out of her was a true delight to read. Fans of The Hating Game are gonna love this one.
Sweet Berries by C.M. Nacosta (Free with KU)
Last year, a lil book by the name of Morning Glory Milking Farm took booktok (and reddit) by storm. NGL, it was fantastic and I am super excited to let y’all know book 2 in the Cambric Creek series is SUCH a soft and sweet delight. This time we get to swoon over Merrick the adorkable Mothman and Grace, a human. This was everything I was hoping for, plus all the smutty smut I have come to expect (and love) in a C.M. Nacosta romance.
So Not Meant To Be by Meghan Quinn (Free with KU)
I love Quinn’s romances but this year has felt really hit or miss for her (imho), this one thankfully did not make me question anything. I loved jumping back into the world of Lottie, Huxley, JP and Kelsey. It was great, and the cameo’s of her couples from her other books was a delight! Gave me when harry met sally vibes all day long.
Found by the Lake Monster by Lillian Lark
Monsters, they’re so hot right now. Lillian is a queen and FbtLM is a quick, steamy delicious monster read that will have you hooked from the beginning. Some of her hallmarks found in her matchmaking series show up here, and lord do they work for me. Also lake monster accountant that’s in heat? Okay, yes sign me up.
Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood
Book 2 in the interconnected STEMinist novellas, features Sadie, environmental architecture / engineer and Erik (fellow engineer? I dunno I couldn’t quite figure it out). Regardless, I found these two actually SO freaking cute together. Whereas in book 1 we had a lot of grunting and ignoring, these two have a wild insta connection that TOTALLY worked for me. Also this one was way more steamy. Here’s hoping book 3 is even better than this one (though it feels like it might be hard to top).
Shadow’s Claim by Kresley Cole
I’m not saying IAD are break in case of emergency type books, but I’m not, not saying it. I instantly fell in love with Bettina and Trehan, and loved the premise of this immortal fated mates extension of her IAD universe. Trehan is Daddy, that is all.
How to Steal a Scoundrel’s Heart by Vivienne Lorret
Ah the mating habits of scoundrels is such a delightful historical romance series, and yes book 4 is JUST as good as all the rest. Though Ellie and Prue’s stories have been my favourites. This had so many of my fave micro-tropes: rake who refuses to fall in love (then thoroughly gets his ass kicked by his feelings), a marriage of convenience, espionage and thievery, pining, heartbreak, a grand gesture. It was just great.
Much Ado About Dukes by Eva Devon (eARC)
Female activist takes on a Duke, who actually has a huge crush on her, but keeps avoiding her like a CLOWN. Legitimate partnership between these two leads makes this one SO lovely. Check the full review here.
Never Rescue a Rogue by Virginia Heath (eARC)
Roasting you is my love language, but make it historical! Found family, non-sexual intimacy, nose kisses! This one has it all. Check the full review here.